2005-2006 Midseason Rookie Team

By Chris Tao

This rookie class has been marked by the depth and overall talent that it brings to the league. Many of the rookies come from great college programs that were Tourney-worthy and it shows. They have broken into rotations and starting lineups, which have been historically unwelcoming to rookies, especially under regimes run by coaches like Jeff Van Gundy and Larry Brown. Nonetheless, there are real performers in this year's rookie class.

Starting Lineup

G Chris Paul (New Orleans) - Chris Paul is the midseason rookie of the year. The explosive Paul has led New Orleans / Oklahoma City to a respectable start and his teammates already consider him their floor general. He is extremely poised as a rookie, but that can be explained by the terrific Wake Forest squad that he led. He is leading all rookies in minutes (37.1), points (16.4), assists (7.1), steals (2.10), and assist/turnover ratio (ninth in the league).

G Nate Robinson (New York) - Historically, height (or lack of) doesn't stop NBA players from being great. Nate is another one of those players. Standing at just 5'9", Robinson has electrified the Garden and has started often, which is impressive for a rookie in Coach Larry Brown's system. Not only is he reminiscent of Earl Boykins offensively, Nate's playing time has been earned by playing tough defense.

F Charlie Villanueva (Toronto) - Toronto is in good hands, with Chris Bosh and Charlie Villanueva patrolling the paint for the immediate future. Although he is still coming off the bench, Villanueva is having an impact on the game and continues to contribute down low when the game is on the line.

F Sean May (Charlotte) - May is picking up where he left off in the NCAA title game. He has had big scoring games recently and is a scrapper down low. He'll learn more about living life in the paint as the season progresses and that will bode well for Charlotte's future, which already has an anchor in Emeka Okafor.

C Channing Frye (New York) - Frye is probably the best player on the Knicks now, which says a lot about his ability. He has averaged 14.6 PPG, 5.9 RPG, and 0.89 BPG, fantastic numbers for a rookie playing under Coach Larry Brown. He has been big down the stretch for the Knicks and, along with Nate Robinson, has re-energized the Garden. His athletic play around the basket is inspiring his teammates and punishing opponents down low.

Honorable Mention

G Luther Head (Houston) - Head has become a fixture in Coach Jeff Van Gundy's rotation, a remarkable feat for a rookie, especially one that makes his fair share of rookie gaffes. But his three-point shooting prowess (over 50%) and ability to make big shot after big shot make him stand out among this year's rookies and have earned him the trust of his teammates, including Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming.

G Deron Williams (Utah) - Filling John Stockton's shoes is a tough role for anyone. Carlos Arroyo did a solid job of it, but if anyone is going to take over for Stockton, it is Illinois guard Deron Williams. He hasn't shot well recently, but has found ways to make an impact on the game.

C Andrew Bogut (Milwaukee) - Judging from Bogut's recent play, he would easily be in that rookie starting lineup. However, Milwaukee has been bringing him up slowly, which will probably translate into a better Andrew Bogut. He was recently outplayed by Channing Frye, but don't expect that to become a trend. In a few years, he'll shape up and give any center in the league a handful.